A touch too much for Royals?

Well, that was awkward.

A new video has surfaced of NBA star LeBron James "breaking royal protocol" by placing his arm around the Duchess of Cambridge when they met after watching a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers in New York on Monday night. The video on The Daily Telegraph's website shows Prince William and his wife being presented with NBA jerseys, including one for their son, Prince George.

While posing for pictures, James instinctively placed his arm around her - appearing to startle her, although she did not tell him so. The Royals, who were also spotted meeting Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the game, are on their first official trip to the US in three years.

According to the official website of The British Monarchy, there are "no obligatory codes for behaviour" when meeting a member of the royal family, but men usually observe a neck bow (from the head only), and women do a tiny curtsy.

James's breach of protocol is similar to the moment, five years ago, when US First Lady Michelle Obama caused a fuss by putting her arm around the Queen.